I live in Chicago and needed a pergola that would be strong enough to withstand the winds and snow while also giving protection against the sun and rain. This pergola is exactly what I needed. The only thing I needed to make the pergola perfect was that I needed to purchase two weights made for umbrella stands to ensure the pergola doesn't fall over I love it so much I purchased a second. These are expensive, but when you think that it basically replaces a built an awning you might want to built on your property or any type of shelter its cost is very reasonable considering it is so beautiful and comes in an amazingly beautiful Red shade.